Scott Public Relations recently shared some marketing insights with MMCHR, a California based Human Resources Outsourcing company. We thought these six tips on how to make saying “thanks” part of your marketing program would be beneficial for all healthcare, insurance, and technology marketing professionals. Enjoy and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

As we approach the giving season, many businesses and practices take the time to say “thank you” to valued clients, patients, employees and key referral sources. At the same time as we express our gratitude for their trust in choosing us, we can be reinforcing the value of that relationship to them.

Here are six ways to make that extra positive impact:

1. If you send gifts to clients, consider doing so around Thanksgiving, versus the Christmas or end-of-year holidays. Expressing thanks at Thanksgiving is a natural tie-in. Your gift will arrive ahead of everyone else’s, and it will be noticed, appreciated and shared before the deluge of other gifts arrive. Our company has been doing this for decades and we’ve found that clients really remember when we reach out to them early in the holiday season.

2. If you are sending a holiday greeting or thank you, include something of value that relates to your business. For a medical practice, for example, it may be suggestions for healthy New Year resolutions, reminders of how to stay healthy over the holidays, or another information piece about an important health issue.

3. If you have customers coming into your offices, add signage that says “thanks” and again, offers them something of value that they can take with them for the holidays and the new year. This signage could be a desk-top laminated stand on your front desk, a poster, or a slide or video clip if you show customized video in your waiting room or lobby.

4. If you send a holiday greeting or thank you, you can include in that communication how you’ve been able to improve your offerings in the previous year, due to their support of your organization. For example, “Thanks to the support of you, our valued customers, we have been able to expand to offer xyz this year.” If these new services or expansion serve people in need, or the elderly, or others who may have difficulty accessing your services, the recipients of your “thank you” will be especially glad to have been part of this endeavor through their association with you. The same precept is important for employees – when you thank them for their contributions to your business, practice or organization, recap for them the accomplishments of the year to show them how they are a part of your business’s success.

5. And speaking of doing good, your “thank yous” can also report on the support your organization has given this year to help those in need – through support of community organizations, international relief funds, or other causes. Customers and employees alike will respond to your good works with warmth and respect, and may be inspired to make their own contributions.

6. Finally, think about saying “thanks” through multiple communication channels. If you send electronic or paper monthly communications, include your thanks here. If you are active on social media, post it in LinkedIn, Tweet it, and post it to Facebook. Post your holiday thanks on your website. These communications can also refer people to your website or to your offices to get that complimentary piece on healthy guidelines, or the advice on managing their money this year, or another subject that is relevant to the service and/or advice you provide to them.

These are just a few ideas on how you can make your “thank yous” more meaningful to your customers and employees, and to build a closer affinity with them during this season of gratitude. If you have other ideas or practices along this theme that you would like to share, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’re in healthcare, insurance, technology or other professional services industries, and need help with a PR, marketing or social media campaign, contact Scott Public Relations.

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