Everything You Need to Know About Client Gifting
Customer relationship building should be the core of any business. However, when you’re busy delivering services, you might find keeping up with all the nuances that go into that special client relationship can fall through the cracks. That’s why Account Managers are key to your agency’s happy clients!
Digital Marketing Account Managers have their finger on the pulse of every single thing that’s going on. Every day, they are on top of tasks, communications, and more.
Sending gifts is one task we highly recommend to help deepen the relationship. Gifts show that you care. There are many benefits to doing this, so let’s look at the how and the why.
Why Client Gifting Should Be a Strategy for Digital Marketing Agencies
Think about it.
What is the cost of client acquisition? You want your new client to be a long-term one, right? That’s why regular gift giving should be on your To Do list. Well, actually on your Account Manager’s To Do list! This will help boost that feel-good rapport.
Your Client Account Manager works closely with your clients and forms a bond. They get to know the client well as the relationship unfolds. The agency Account Manager listens keenly for clues - whether it’s a business win or something going on in their personal life, e.g. like when they move house or welcome a new member of the family (child or pet!), they’ll know exactly the right kind of gift to send.
How Much to Spend on Client Gifts, And What to Buy?
Be strategic, but keep it simple. Here are our top best practices for doing it right:
1. Establish a Quarterly Budget for Gift-Giving
Yes! Client gift-giving should really be part of your annual budget. Around $50 or $100 a quarter is more than plenty. Once you’ve allocated this line item, your Account Manager can do some preliminary research on best-fit items and keep a handy go-to list of gift resources, then pre-schedule when to send as part of the client onboarding workflow.
2. Always Be Listening
As we mentioned, either you as a busy agency owner or your Account Manager can keep an ear to the ground on the latest that’s going on with your client. There are often subtle clues that come from all the communications you have over time. That way, when the time for sending gifts comes up, the gift will land with the appropriate emotional tug.
3. Be Thoughtful and Creative
Is your agency client celebrating a graduation in the family? A big win with a new client? Instead of sending a standard type of gift, why not send something thoughtful and personal like a gift for their child from a local toy shop that you know they love?
4. Keep the Gifts Coming!
You’re at your clients’ side for the big stuff and the small. Why not send an unexpected gift? How about a coupon for dinner for two? Or a hand-written note with a locally made specialty gift? (Yes! The old “snail mail” method is still a great way to show clients they really matter.) You can easily purchase plain or fancy cards online or at brick-and-mortar drug stores or gift stores. Even a $10 coffee card can be a nice surprise. You can also send gifts when things aren’t going so well to show that you are thinking of them during a difficult time.
When they sign on the dotted line these can be great options for welcoming new clients to your digital marketing agency.
If you have some extra funds in your budget, there are some great higher-level gifts to choose from. We’ve put our top picks here:
Gifts from Canada:
Baskits - a beautiful array of custom baskets for any occasion!
Plant Collective - check out the awesome choices for fresh plants that are shipped to your client right from the company’s greenhouse!
Cardly - send a personalized handwritten card!
Knack - check out these great boxes that will make you feel like you’re celebrating with your client!
Gifts from the USA:
Lula's Garden - a wonderful selection of trendy small succulent gardens that are perfect for the office desk!
Milk Bar Store - who doesn’t love something for the sweet tooth? Check out the mouth-watering choices.
SimplyNoted - send a personalized handwritten card!
Knack - check out these great boxes that will make you feel like you’re celebrating with your client!
BOXFOX - these boxes can be pre-ordered and sent just in time for an event or holiday!
Nothing says we care more than a caring client gift. Not only can it ramp up customer loyalty but it can also end up with a whole lot of great pre-qualified referrals – think brand recognition on another level.
Gift giving is vital to creating a positive association with you, your company, and your work. If you’re not sure about it, just do it! The return could be tenfold for your business!
Wearing too many hats and struggling to manage your agency clients? Account Managers are focused on just that. They handle all the daily minutia so you don’t have to. They’ll ensure all tasks and projects are completed on time and help build that valuable and vital client relationship as part of your awesome team.
Ready to chat with us? Get in touch today.