As a professional web designer, providing great service doesn’t end once a client’s website is completed. Clients want to feel cared for by the people they invest time and money in, so it’s important to show how much you appreciate their business. In addition to going above and beyond during your projects, demonstrating gratitude afterwards fosters a positive sentiment that’s essential to building your professional relationships, especially when it comes to earning referrals and establishing client loyalty.

Whether you choose to dedicate your time to client appreciation during the holidays or year-round, here are 10 ways you can express your gratitude:

1. Send handwritten letters

As the world has become more automated than ever, there’s a charming novelty to receiving a handwritten letter. Writing notes is a thoughtful way to show your thanks and leaves a lasting impression on your clients. Personalize each letter by writing about specific experiences with your client’s project or their business’s milestones, such as celebrating a first year of operating or the opening of a new location.

Pro tip: Establish a scalable process to writing multiple letters by creating a template that features the details you want to address in each note. These can include your client’s name, their business, one or more professional milestones, a reference to the project you completed, and your experience working with them. 

Here is an example:

Dear [Client Name],

During this season of thanks, I wanted to share how grateful I am for your business this year. 

I really enjoyed working with you on the website for [business name] and helping you develop a cohesive brand for the business. As we approach the new year, I look forward to celebrating [business milestone] with you.

As always, please let me know if I can offer support for the website or if you have additional branding needs.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

2. Send an email

If sending handwritten notes to every client isn’t right for your business, send emails. Each email can include the same personalized elements, such as your client’s name and business, business-related accomplishments, and references to their project. 

To make the process even more efficient, use Email Campaigns to deliver the emails to your clients. Holiday templates are available for you to share your thanks during the season and can be accessed through the Email Campaigns dashboard in the Marketing panel. Learn more about mastering Email Campaigns.

Pro tip: If you use Email Campaigns, add a discount code to the emails as an extra expression of gratitude. This may encourage clients to employ your services again.  

Use the following example as a template for your emails:

Dear [Client Name],

It’s been a busy and prosperous year—and I have you to thank! 

I wanted to share my appreciation for your business and how much I enjoyed collaborating with you on your website this [season]. Thank you for trusting me with [reference to specific project experience]. I hope the website enhancement has given you more time to devote to [their next business goal]! 

As a token of my gratitude, please enjoy a 15% discount off your next website tune-up.

In the meantime, please let me know if I can offer additional support for [ business name] and its website.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

3. Send gift cards

Whether you spend $10 or $100 per person, sending your client a little something they can use on themselves is a special way to let them know you’re thinking of them. You can send virtual or physical gift cards, and some businesses even offer deals for purchasing gift cards in bulk. 

Pro tip: Regardless of how you distribute the gift cards, include a short note for each client to thank them for their business. This personal touch is important to convey your genuine appreciation. 

4. Send a personalized gift

For your extremely valuable, high-spending clients, take things a step further by sending personalized gifts. You’ll want to be intentional with every gift and tailor each one to your client’s personal interests. Some examples include their favorite flowers, luxury chocolate, a live plant, homemade sweets, or a present from a local business.

Pro tip: If you aren’t sure where to start, several businesses sell gift boxes that come with a variety of items to suit every recipient’s taste. 

5. Spotlight on social media

Show your clients you value their work by giving them a shoutout on social media. Use your platform(s) to share information about your client’s business, their story, and their goods or services. You’ll want to tag your client’s handle for an added engagement opportunity with their network.

Pro tip: As part of your greater marketing strategy, you’ll also want to frequently engage with your clients’ social media content by commenting, liking, and sharing their posts. They’ll likely return the favor, and the extra social media engagement will be a win for all.

6. Host an event

Host a virtual get-together or small in-person gathering for your best clients. If you have the means (and your clients are local to your area), consider renting a space to socialize. You could also try organizing free treats at a local bakery, hosting a cooking class or wine tasting, or simply meeting for coffee at a cafe. Not only is this a great way to show your gratitude, it doubles as a unique networking opportunity for your clients.

If your clients live in different locations, there are many creative ways to throw virtual appreciation events. Consider hiring a comedian to perform a set, a sommelier to conduct a tasting, a chef to run a cooking class, or a bartender to teach a mixology course. The event possibilities are vast and make for a fun way to connect with clients.

Pro tip: Regardless what kind of event you host, the goal is to interact in a positive and fun environment, not to sell them something, so keep it light. 

7. Lend a listening ear

A simple way to express your thanks to clients is to ask them for feedback on their experience with you. Ensuring your clients feel heard also makes them feel valued and instrumental to your business. This becomes even more impactful when you implement their advice. 

Learn more about how to manage client feedback.

Pro tip: Send a survey to efficiently collect responses from your clients. Include a mix of multiple choice and free response questions to give them the opportunity to share their feedback. 

8. Offer referral discounts or loyalty incentives

Turn one-time customers into repeat clients by offering an exclusive loyalty discount. In addition to saving your clients a little money, setting up a loyalty program is a built-in incentive for repeat business.

Another way to show your thanks is by offering clients a referral discount when they refer your business to a new customer. Referral discounts are an effective way to motivate past clients to work with you while earning business from a new client.

Pro tip: When it comes to discounting services, you’ll want to offer a discount that’s high enough to entice clients, but stays within profitable margins for your business. 

9. Give exclusive access to webinars and trainings

Give your clients the gift of your expertise. Whether you’re a branding expert, copywriting guru, or have general entrepreneurial knowledge, offering exclusive access to your teachings is a great way to show that you genuinely care about your clients and their success. 

Pro tip: If running a webinar is outside of your normal business scope, try leading a small (and casual) class on topics where you have more experience, such as design trends, content best practices, or tips on basic website maintenance.

10. Donate to charity in their name

Ask your clients to name a charity where you can donate money, time, or goods in their name. This warm gesture is a special way to thank your client while giving back to their community.  

Pro tip: Send your client a handwritten note or email to notify them that the donation has been made. This establishes a genuine connection with them while also going beyond the scope of your initial project.

Want more?

Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional designers. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from all across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.