One of the first things I learnt is that the best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing. Subtle acts at times go a long way, like the small act of saying “thank you” that shows prospects, customers and others you really care about them, not just their money. Thank you content marketing creates reciprocity that helps to build customer relationships over time and increases revenue. Here are three ways in which this can be done:

• Write a thank you note to express thanks; e.g. the waiter or waitress who writes thank you with a happy face on the bill will definitely catch the attention of the customer and may receive a bigger tip! Big brands such as Amazon have done this for many years in their own way and have managed to build customer relationships, while driving product reviews. No wonder so many shoppers check them first for product information. So, the next time someone buys something from you online or subscribes to your website/online offer or even browses your website, consider maximizing your email thank you message with some additional downloadable, beneficial content.

• Thank your customers by showing them how to use your products or services better – When a customer uses your service or buys your product, the interaction shouldn’t end there. Don’t underestimate their need for additional information to use your products effectively. When was the last time you educated your customers using content marketing? When was the last time you offered tips or tricks or how about a demo or best practice info? Give it to them as a thank you! Christmas is the perfect time to make this happen.

• Offer thank you in the form of recipes – Let’s say you are the head of marketing at a supermarket; your supermarket sells brands that includes the likes of Kraft or Betty Crocker; maybe you have a loyalty card/rewards programmes, so you also have an idea of what items your customers are buying. Are you making good use of that info this Christmas? Have you noticed how many of your customers buy baking products? Have you considered sending them recipes using items that you sell? Something as simple as your margarine can make the difference in cooking and baking, but are you developing content that highlights how your product can be used to make a tasty meal? Maybe you produce local seasonings or pepper jellies; are you highlighting recipes that use your products? Tis the season!

Don’t underestimate the power of post-sales engagement to generate more profitable sales. Getting existing customers to purchase more from you is less expensive, since you already have their contact information. Thank customers with content that benefits them and leads them back to your business time after time.

Candice Sealey is the founder and principal marketing and PR consultant at Ignite! a full service marketing and PR consultancy that helps businesses owners/marketers to promote their businesses, to raise awareness, attract new customers and increase sales. We help you work out what marketing is needed, we bring a fresh approach, create a tailored plan and make it happen, leaving you free to concentrate on dealing the other areas of your business.

Contact us on 784-432-222; follow us on FB & IG @igniteresults Twitter: @ignite3D Email: igniteresults@gmail.com